The past 12 months have demonstrated the costs of taking shortcuts when it comes to safety. Last fall, Toyota was scrutinized for safety issues regarding acceleration problems in its cars that caused a number of accidents with an untold number of fatalities and injuries. This from an auto manufacturer who was touted in the past for their safety efforts.
On April 20, we saw the biggest catastrophe to date when an oil rig in the Gulf of Mexico exploded. BP was the owner and had hired subcontractors to construct the oil rig. We may not ever know all of the details, but what we do know is that BP was plagued by millions of dollars of fines prior to this event as a result of safety violations.
The rig explosion placed BP in the center of the conversation about how taking shortcuts, or at least not instituting and complying with safety rules, can not only cause an adverse event — it kills. The oil rig explosion took the lives of 11 workers and injured a number of others. After almost four months, the leaking oil appears to be sealed; however, the catastrophic impact to the region will continue for years.
We could focus on these two scenarios and begin to figure out who is responsible. However, I would like to look at the lesson we can learn about the responsibility of our department and the firefighter’s responsibility is when it comes to our own safety, and then apply these concepts to rehab.
Department Responsibility
I write all this with a question to the fire service in mind: are we taking shortcuts in safety by not providing rehab for our personnel? I continue to be amazed by just how many departments discount the value of rehab for their personnel.
If we look at the two major cases mentioned in this column, we need to ask, “What makes us any different?” Rehab is a critical element of the health and well-being of our personnel.
Likewise, there are a number of other areas I could cite that are critical elements of the health and well-being of our personnel and I will not dispute that. In fact, it is the whole picture of the health and well-being of our personnel we need to take into consideration. Rehab is just one part of the picture.
Firefighter Responsibility
Regardless of your rank, it is time we step up to the plate and become leaders in the revolution of doing what is right. Mike Rowe from Dirty Jobs has done some great programs on safety.
In his TED.com talk (http://www.ted.com/talks/mike_rowe_celebrates_dirty_jobs.html), Mike noted a time he spoke to a ship’s captain from the Deadliest Catch series. When he talked to him about OSHA, the captain replied, “Ocean not OSHA.” The captain explained that his job is to get the crew to locations to make money.
It is the crew’s job to keep safe. This dialogue emphasizes that the responsibility comes down to you. You need to make sure you provide for your own safety. Your department can provide you the tools you need, but it is your job to make sure you provide for your own safety.
Conclusion
So what does all this mean? It comes down to this: every fire department in this country is obligated to provide the necessary tools and environment for you and other members of the department to do the job.
Part of this is providing the training, equipment, and availability of rehab. It is your job to promote and utilize rehab on every incident and throughout your shift, while also continuing to think about proper preparation when off duty.
Rehab is not just at the fire department, rather it is a lifestyle that melds with the other elements of your health and well-being.
References
Lindsey, J. (2007) Fire Service Instructor Prentice Hall, Upper Saddle River, NJ
NFPA 1584 Standard on the Rehabilitation Process for Members During Emergency Operations and Training Exercises (2008) National Fire Protection Association Quincy, MA http://www.bp.com/bodycopyarticle.do?categoryId=1&contentId=7052055
Mike Rowe celebrates dirty jobs, TED Partner Series http://www.ted.com/talks/mike_rowe_celebrates_dirty_jobs.html